Vision
Y4A Yoga for Amputees is committed to being a leader in yoga for limb loss, positive life strategies for amputees, research on yoga as medicine for limb loss and pain management, and education in the fields of medicine, yoga, physical therapy, prosthetics and trauma recovery.
Mission
Y4A Yoga for Amputees's mission is to promote health, wellness, freedom of movement, psychological healing and spiritual renewal for amputees by offering yoga education, training, and research, and by creating a global network of yoga teachers, yoga therapists, yoga enthusiasts and professionals working with amputees, so that those with limb loss, limb difference, or limb limitation can thrive throughout all the stages of their healing journey.
Our Teachers
Lucy Lomax
Y4A Master Trainer & Administrator
Certified Yoga Therapist C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, RPYT, YACEP
C-WAE, C-iRest®, Accessible Yoga Teacher
Lucy Lomax, Certified Yoga Therapist C-IAYT, E-RYT 500, RPYT, YACEP, C-WAE, C-iREST®, Y4A Yoga for Amputees Teacher, began meditating and practicing yoga in the 70's and teaching yoga in 1999. After 33 years as a financial policy analyst (BS Organizational Behavior, Masters in Public Financial Management) Lucy became a full-time yoga teacher. In 2017 she became a certified yoga therapist. Her yoga background includes 20+ years study and practice in alignment-based yoga, and since 2011, specialized training in yoga for seniors, the military, and those dealing with cancer, amputation, stress, trauma, and PTS (post-traumatic stress).
Her teaching is based on anatomy, posture, movement, and integrative body/mind principles and she focuses on trauma-sensitive yoga and meditation, and accessible and adaptive yoga for injuries, illnesses, special conditions, and recovery. Her teaching style is light-hearted and practical — she believes that the yoga you do in class should support everyday life, and that yoga should be modified to meet you where you are on life's journey.
Lucy is a yoga teacher trainer for both entry and advanced level yoga teachers (RYT 200 and RYT 500 levels), is co-director of the Yoga Center of Columbia's Yoga Teacher Training 200 level program, was trained by Marsha T. Danzig as Master Teacher Trainer for Y4A Yoga for Amputees program, and is an Accessible Yoga Teacher. Lucy teaches public classes, workshops, retreats, and private yoga therapy sessions. Learn more about Lucy at www.lucylomax.com.
Heather Thamer
Y4A Master Teacher and Administrator
E-RYT 500, YACEP
Level 1 WAE Teacher, Accessible Yoga Teacher
Heather Thamer, E-RYT500, M.Ed, Y4A:Yoga for Amputees Teacher, Accessible Yoga Teacher, has been teaching yoga since 2006 and has been practicing yoga for 30+years. She has specialized yoga training in working with the military community through the Warriors At Ease program and has adaptive training through the Y4A Yoga for Amputees and Accessible Yoga Teacher Training programs. Her classes are mindfully structured, blending asana, sequenced movement, breathing techniques and meditation.
Prior to being a yoga teacher, Heather was actively working with and advocating for children and adults with cognitive and physical disabilities. She spent a decade working in a variety of settings including: residential and day programs, as a job coach, as a special educator and with Special Olympics and The Arc. Since becoming a yoga teacher in 2006, Heather has taught classes for all ages, specializing in yoga for older populations, those affected by cancer, limb loss/difference, and chronic conditions. She uses a mindful approach to teaching yoga and is passionate about making yoga accessible and enjoyable. With a profound appreciation for the benefits of yoga, Heather aspires to bring an empowering experience to her classes. Heather offers ongoing classes and private sessions online and in person.